Pregnancy is one of life’s most amazing journeys. Blood volume increases dramatically from the eighth gestational week. Metabolism is increased and hormones change to support growth. A specific hormone, relaxin, is present 10 times its normal concentration, helping to relax joints and ease delivery. A woman’s spine and pelvis undergo tremendous changes and adaptations in order to compensate for the growing baby, and the risk of interference to her nervous system is increased. Most women experience some degree of back pain during pregnancy. So while it is a beautiful process, chiropractic care is especially essential.

Williams Obstetrics tells us the diameter of a woman’s pelvis is decreased when the sacrum is displaced. Chiropractors define this displacement as subluxation, or spinal misalignment. A lifetime of stress and trauma to the spine and pelvis may compromise the pelvic opening, which creates a less than optimum passage for the baby. Chiropractic care throughout pregnancy helps to establish balance in the pelvis, easing delivery. Research has found that 84% of patients who received chiropractic care during pregnancy reported relief from back pain. Most women also had a significantly less likelihood of back labor, which is typically caused by baby being in the wrong position. (Continue Reading…)